40: The Legacy of Christmas Music: Songs That Have Inspired Joy for Centuries

Welcome to Episode 40 of Music in Our Homeschool, where we explore the joyful essence of Christmas music! Hosted by Gena Mayo, a seasoned homeschooling mom of eight and a music teacher for over 30 years, this episode delves into the rich history and enchanting sounds of Christmas music that have resonated through centuries.

Christmas music has long been a beloved tradition, with roots tracing back to the early days of Christianity. Gena takes us on an enlightening journey, starting from 4th-century Roman Christian hymns to the medieval English tradition of caroling. Learn how these early forms of music evolved and eventually shaped the festive melodies we cherish today.

In this episode, we also celebrate iconic composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Friedrich Handel, and Peter Tchaikovsky, whose timeless pieces have become synonymous with Christmas. Discover the heartwarming stories behind classics like Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah, and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Fast-forwarding to the 20th century, we explore modern favorites such as Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.

To make this musical season even more special, Gena shares creative and engaging activities you can incorporate into your homeschool curriculum. From making your own jingle bells to hosting a family Christmas concert, these hands-on projects bring festive cheer right into your home. Plus, don't miss out on her online courses, Christmas Carols Made Easy and the Christmas Musicals Mini Course, tailored to enhance your family's musical experience.

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooling parent or newly exploring the magic of music education, this episode offers something for everyone. Join us and discover how Christmas music can bring joy, wonder, and a sense of connection to your holiday celebrations. Be sure to visit musicinourhomeschool.com for more resources and subscribe for upcoming Christmas-themed episodes.

See all links to resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/legacy-of-christmas-music/

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Transcript

The Joy of Christmas Music E40 

[00:00:00] Welcome everyone to Music in Our Homeschool, the podcast that brings you the beauty of music education right into your home. My name is Gena Mayo, and today we're diving into one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season, and that's Christmas music. For centuries, people around the world have sung, played, and cherished songs that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

But have you ever wondered how Christmas music became such an essential part of the holiday. In this episode we'll explore the history of Christmas music, meet some famous composers who have shaped its sound, learn about the instruments that bring its unique warmth, and try some fun activities to make Christmas music come alive in your home.

Christmas music has a long history dating back to the early days of Christianity. As early as the 4th century, Roman Christians began singing hymns during the Christmas season. These were often simple [00:01:00] chants that told the story of Jesus' birth. Over the centuries, as Christianity spread across Europe, Christmas music took on regional flavors and melodies.

In medieval England, a tradition we know as caroling became popular. But did you know that caroling wasn't just about singing at first? Originally, it included dancing, too. People would go door to door, singing carols to spread cheer and receive small treats, a tradition that has carried on to this day.

Let's take a closer look at some of the composers who've given us timeless Christmas music. One of the most famous pieces of classical Christmas music is Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Written in the 1700s, this work tells the story of Jesus's birth through beautiful music and choral singing. Bach's work shows how Classical music can evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas. 

Then there's George Friedrich Handel, [00:02:00] another Baroque era composer whose Messiah Oratorio includes the famous Hallelujah Chorus. Though it covers Jesus entire life and was originally written for Easter, the Messiah has become a Christmas favorite.

On a lighter note, Peter Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker has also become a holiday staple. The ballet's music, including the well known Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, fills the air with a sense of magical wonder. 

Fast forwarding to the 20th century, we have Irving Berlin, who wrote White Christmas, one of the best selling songs ever. This song was especially meaningful during World War II, when soldiers far from home were longing for a familiar Christmas. It's also the title of one of the most popular Christmas musicals. And of course, there's Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride, made [00:03:00] popular by both John Williams' Boston Pops Orchestra and then the Andrews sisters who first sang it. Sleigh Ride's cheerful tune and winter imagery have made it a holiday classic. 

What would Christmas music be without its special sounds? Let's talk about some of the instruments that make this music feel so festive. Bells are everywhere at Christmas, from church bells on Christmas morning, to the jingling Salvation Army ringers, to sleigh bells in songs like Jingle Bells and Silver Bells.

The organ, often heard in churches, has become closely tied to Christmas music too. It gives a majestic sound that adds to the solemnity and beauty of many Christmas carols. 

The celesta, with its gentle, angelic sound, creates a peaceful atmosphere in Christmas music. You hear it in the opening. of the Nutcracker's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. [00:04:00] And it even appears in the song Somewhere in My Memory from the movie Home Alone. 

The bright celebratory sound of the trumpet is perfect for Christmas. It's often heard in carols such as Joy to the World and in classical pieces like Handel's Messiah.

Now let's talk about ways you can bring Christmas music into your homeschool with hands on activities. First, you can create your own instruments. How about making some jingle bells by tying small bells to a ribbon? And shake them as you sing Jingle Bells. Or try them with different carols. 

Host a family Christmas concert where everyone sings a carol or plays a simple tune. If you know others who play instruments, invite them to join you. My family often does the 12 Days of Christmas when we have our annual family Christmas party. Music brings people together and it's a wonderful way to celebrate.

How about learning a carol in a different language? Try singing Silent Night in [00:05:00] German or O Come All Ye Faithful in Latin. If you need a little guidance, I have an online course called Christmas Carols Made Easy, a Singing Made Easy course. Find a link in the show notes or description. 

Color your own nutcracker while listening to the Nutcracker Suite. Imagine you're at the ballet and create a story for your nutcracker character. I have a free coloring page linked in the description. 

Attend a Christmas music performance. Check out local concerts at schools, churches, or performance centers in your area. Live music brings the joy of Christmas right to you and can be a memorable experience for your whole family.

Watch a Christmas musical at home. Shows like A Christmas Carol, Elf the Musical, and White Christmas are filled with wonderful music that captures the spirit of the season. Take a look at my online course called Christmas Musicals Mini Course, which is on sale right now for 30 percent [00:06:00] off with the code CHRISTMASCHOOL.

Well, as we're wrapping up today, let me remind you that Christmas music has been a part of holiday celebrations for centuries, and every generation brings new sounds and styles to it. Whether you're caroling, listening to a choir or orchestra, or watching a Christmas musical on TV, or making music at home, Christmas music creates a shared sense of joy, wonder, and connection.

So this holiday season, try spending time with these songs and activities. See how they bring happiness to your home, just as they've done for countless families over the years. Thank you for tuning in to the Music in Our Homeschool podcast. Be sure to subscribe for more Christmas themed episodes coming up in the coming weeks, and visit musicinourhomeschool. com for more resources to easily bring a quality music education into your homeschool. I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas season [00:07:00] filled with music and joy.

See all links for resources mentioned in this episode here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/legacy-of-christmas-music/